This development programme for generalist and specialist administrators draws on the expertise of senior figures in the University and provides up to date information on the various strands and issues of University strategy and governance. It includes development of some key skills and a project activity, and offers a valuable opportunity to network with administrators from the UAS and other departments and institutions.

Selection for this programme is via nomination by School Secretaries, Heads of Division or Heads of Non-School Institutions during the summer. Nominees will need to demonstrate the benefit of participating, both for themselves and their institution. Please speak to your line manager and/or appropriate nominator if you would like to be considered.

Please see further information about key themes and speakers on the programme flyer.

An information event about three apprenticeship cohorts being offered across the University:

Business Administration Level 3

Team Leader/Supervisor Level 3

Customer Service Specialist Level 3

There will be a presentation from the apprenticeship team and training provider selected to deliver these programmes - West Suffolk College.

The event will involve short presentations lasting around 45 minutes. The remainder of the event will be a drop-in clinic for those people that have any queries and who would like to complete an expression of interest form.

The webinar will be presented by Phil Stittle of West Suffolk College, who will deliver these apprenticeships.
The webinar will be repeated and to assist with accessibility the webinars are being held on two video conferencing platforms, Zoom and MS Teams, on the following dates:

During this lockdown period, PPD is keen to continue to promote development opportunities for University staff. This information webinar will help you to identify if you wish to progress your development by way of an Apprenticeship.

We are looking to explore what interest there is at this current time in this Leadership Level 5 apprenticeship and hope that there will be sufficient interest to establish a University-wide cohort. By establishing University-wide cohorts, we are looking to encourage more departments to use apprenticeships as a way to provide focused professional development for staff. Participants will have the advantage of a peer group to work through the programme with. Cambridge University Press and Cambridge Assessment are also potentially interested in joining in with this.

The webinar will be presented by Jennifer Dix of Corndel, who will deliver these apprenticeships.

For this cohort to run, there is a minimum of 18-20 people required. Depending on the level of interest shown, it is intended that the apprenticeship will start in July 2020 . Entry to these cohorts will be by application and is open to all University employees who meet the eligibility criteria.

The webinar will be repeated and to assist with accessibility the webinars are being held on two video conferencing platforms, Zoom and MS Teams. To access the webinar on Zoom the session will run on 2nd July 2020 - 2.30-3.30pm.

A link to the webinar will be sent with the joining instructions when your booking is confirmed.

The webinar will be presented by Marc Rothera of Anglia Ruskin University.

During this lockdown period, PPD is keen to continue to promote development opportunities for University staff. This information webinar will help you to identify if you wish to progress your development by way of an Apprenticeship. We are looking to explore what interest there is at this current time in this Senior Leaders Degree Level 7 apprenticeship to start September 2020.

Please note: This apprenticeship standard is expected to change with the removal of the degree qualification in January 2021, moving towards a PostGrad diploma. Entry to these cohorts will be by application and is open to all University employees who meet the eligibility criteria.

The webinar will be repeated and to assist with accessibility the webinars are being held on two video conferencing platforms, Zoom and MS Teams. To access the webinar on MS Teams the session will run on 23rd June 2020 - 14:00-15:00pm.

A link to the webinar will be sent with the joining instructions when your booking is confirmed.

Do you find yourself saying ‘Yes’ when you really mean to say ‘No’? Or do you get the impression people think you’re rather too direct? This course will teach you to avoid both extremes and to build constructive working relationships through assertiveness – a form of behaviour that demonstrates your self-respect and your respect for others.

A webinar providing information on the level 4 Associate Project Manager Apprenticeship (duration 13months) presented by Glen Suttie of Provek, who are Project Management Training specialists and will deliver this apprenticeship.

Aimed at developing the skills required to run successful projects. This programme consists of 6 modules, each of which have a 1x day workshop training included. You will also sit the Association for Project Management (APM) Project Management Qualification (PMQ) exam and will be externally assessed to achieve the Level 4 Associate Project Manager apprenticeship standard.

The purpose of the webinar will be to provide you with an overview of the programme, and give you the opportunity to ask any questions.

At work and at home, it’s all too easy to speak and act without thinking – and then regret it afterwards. Acting on instinct can lead us to behave aggressively or passively. Both of these are generally unhelpful for our own reputation and for our relationships with others.

Communicating Assertively will show you how to avoid both extremes and instead to use assertive behaviour to build constructive and respectful working relationships.

This online module will help you understand the assertive mindset and highlight what assertiveness looks and sounds like.

If you would prefer to complete the blended programme, which provides an opportunity to put your assertive skills into practice in a face to face workshop, as well as completing the online module, please visit the booking page for the blended programme.

"It all boils down to communication", how many times have we heard that phrase? This interactive online module is packed full of useful tips and practical examples to help you get your point across more clearly, ask the right questions and listen better to what others have to say.

The module introduces you to the key concepts of communication skills through a variety of media, offering those new to this topic a solid grounding in the essentials, as well as a great refresher for more experienced communicators.

If you’re short of time and just need the basics, or you want to explore things in a bit more detail, the versatile structure of this module offers you the flexibility to learn in the way that best fits with your schedule.

Even the most skilled communicators sometimes struggle to get their message across. This course will equip you with the mindset and knowledge to communicate effectively when it really matters. Learn how to deliver your message with sincerity, clarity and enthusiasm. Staff who wish to improve their one-to-one communication skills in challenging and difficult situations will benefit from this course.

Increase your confidence and skills in one-to-one communication with this highly participative course. Effective communication starts in your head and it isn’t just about the words you say. Your tone of voice, facial expression and body language all communicate a message. This course will help you get your message across more clearly. You will also have the opportunity to practise communication skills on a one-to-one basis.

Have you ever found yourself in the middle of a conflict wondering how you got into it and how to get out? This course sets out to identify and examine the causes of conflict and to offer a range of practical techniques for resolving disputes. Skilled negotiation is often crucial and this course introduces a proven approach that is used widely by professional mediators and negotiators. You will have the opportunity to explore and practice key ideas using presentation, self assessment, role play and discussion in a friendly and informal group setting.

The rights and responsibilities outlined in data protection and freedom of information legislation impact upon the University’s academic and administrative work. This course explores the key concepts in data protection law and illustrates how the ‘data protection principles’ affect various day-to-day working scenarios. It introduces the fundamental aspects of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and details the ways in which the University handles responses to individual requests. Finally, it outlines various records management and information security measures that can aid compliance with the legislation and lead to a more efficient working environment.

This online course offers a short introduction to data protection concepts, explains why they are important to the University, and signposts to further guidance materials. As nearly all University staff are likely to collect and handle personal information about living identifiable individuals in one way or another, it’s important to have a basic understanding of the main issues.

All staff using personal data in some way in their role are encouraged to complete this online course once every two years, but the precise expectations about who should complete it (and how often) in different areas of the University should be set by Heads of Department (and equivalents).

The content of this course reflects the provisions of the General Data Protection Regulation as well as related data protection law.

This course prepares you to excel at interview. You will learn how to anticipate questions you will be asked and plan how to answer them successfully. You will also learn how to project yourself positively and feel as calm and in control as you will look.

This course is highly participative and will include a short mock interview as well as an opportunity to share experiences with other course members.

The focus of the course is to provide participants with the generic skills necessary to succeed at interview in a variety of contexts.

This course prepares you to search and apply for your next job opportunity. You will learn: where to look for suitable job opportunities, how to write clear and concise CV’s and produce Job Applications that highlight your key skills and experience.

This course is highly participative and offers you the opportunity to share and learn from your own and other's experiences.

In the workplace there will be occasions when people feel that they have been bullied, harassed or subjected to inappropriate behaviour. This is a practical and important interactive session which is designed to provide clarity and guidance on the University’s Dignity at Work policy and procedures. It will explain the legal framework, and will clarify options and practical measures open to you to help you address Dignity at Work problems if they arise.

The Staff Review and Development (SRD) process provides the opportunity for supervisors, managers and academics to engage in constructive discussion with their staff or academic colleagues about current and future work and their personal and career development.

This online module, including visual, audio and filmed material, will focus on an overview of the process, practical advice and useful reminders of good practice to help you to make the most of SRD. You will need a PC, Mac or tablet device.

Following the EU Referendum in June 2016, the University has been working to assist its EU/EEA and Swiss staff with legal and practical guidance around residency and citizenship options. It is the government’s ambition to document all EU/EEA/Swiss nationals who are present in the UK, through the introduction of ‘Settled’ and ‘Pre-Settled’ status. This scheme was opened fully to the public in March 2019.

Following the success of similar sessions which were ran last year, we are pleased to offer a further series of presentations which will provide information on current residency rights, and a detailed overview of the settled and pre-Settled status application process, and details on how to apply for British Citizenship if desired. These presentations give you the opportunity to see the application process first hand and to give you the information you need to make an application.

Note: In the event the UK leaves the EU on 31 October 2019 with ‘no deal’ there is no obligation or requirement for EU/EEA or Swiss citizens to gain settled or pre-settled status by this date. The deadline for applications in the event of a no-deal is currently 31 December 2020.

The presentations will be led by Graeme Ross, the Immigration and Compliance Manager at the University, who is an experienced UK and EU immigration practitioner.

Three seminars will be provided initially, with further sessions available should there be sufficient demand. There will be an opportunity at the end of each presentation for questions and answers.

Giving effective feedback to your team members is one of the key responsibilities of anyone who supervises or manages others. It improves performance, boosts morale and can help people to do their job to the best of their ability.

This module is full of key tips to help you give feedback that is supportive, constructive and helpful and incorporates instructional film resources to help you apply what you have learned. It also focuses on how to avoid common mistakes when giving feedback to others and how to receive feedback well.

Have you ever been concerned about a situation and wanted to help, but didn't? Hearing a racist/sexist/homophobic joke in the tea room? Seeing an inappropriate touch of a friend? Watching a colleague wince at being belittled or interrupted in a team meeting? You're not alone, this is more common for many of us than you might think.

Come along to this short session to find out why this happens and what it means to be an active bystander. This includes simple changes and actions you can take to support others around you without confrontation and, over time, support a more inclusive environment for all of us to live and work in.